A Second Chance: The Phoenix Young Story - djvio_lator's Dynasty

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A Second Chance: The Phoenix Young Story

Posted on May 14, 2013 at 08:14 PM.

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He had been the best. That is what Eric Maximus "Phoenix" Young had been told since the day he was born. He was a stand-out dual sport athlete at his high school, a small school from a tiny town in northern Michigan. He may not have received the same level of attention as the athletes from the larger cities, but that didn't matter to him. He knew what no else knew, he was the best.

Phoenix had been given his nickname during his freshman year. He was the only freshman on the varsity team and ended up starting at Quarterback that fall. To this day, he still has no idea where it came from, but the name stuck and the "Phoenix" was born. By the time his senior year rolled around, he had become a blue chip prospect in two sports, baseball and football. He had been informed by several MLB teams that they were going to draft him in the upcoming amateur draft, but he told each of them the same thing. Thanks, but no thanks, I'm going to college to play football. Why would he do that? It's simple really, he was the best.

When National Signing Day came, there was no cameras, no National media coverage, no reporters. It was just Phoenix, his classmates and some supporters from the local community. There was no offers from high profile universities or even mid majors. The only 3 schools that had offered Phoenix scholarships were Central Michigan, Tulane and Eastern Michigan. Perhaps it was the small school, his confidence that bordered on cocky and arrogant, or the rumors about his marijuana use. Whatever it was, the high profile programs never came calling. In the end, Phoenix chose Tulane and his college career was off and running.

The starter from day one, Phoenix would start every game all four years at Tulane. He led the Tulane Green Wave to it's first conference title since 1998, 3 bowl victories in 4 years and set nearly ever school passing record. Even with everything that he had accomplished, he was still considered a marginal NFL prospect. Mel Kiper Jr. and Todd McShay each had a 4th round grade on him, saying that his athleticism for a QB was elite and he had above average accuracy and arm strength. However, they commented that his lack of competition may have inflated his stats and he was known to have a confident attitude that bordered on arrogant and cocky. It didn't matter what any of the experts said, Phoenix knew the truth. He was the best.

When the NFL draft came, Phoenix decided to watch it with his family and friends back in his hometown. Rounds 1,2,3,4 and 5 came and went without him being drafted. Then, early in the 6th round, the call came. It was from the 49ers, he was finally drafted. He said all the right things in his interviews, but it burned him, Phoenix knew he was a 1st round QB. He was ready to prove to the world what he and his family already knew. He was the best.

His first season was nothing special as the 3rd string QB, waiting and learning. When next season rolled around, he was ready to compete for the starting gig, but then, tragedy struck. While he was doing a basic drill in training camp, he heard and felt a pop in his throwing arm. He feared what he already knew, his elbow was tore up and he would need Tommy John surgery, ending his season. After rehabbing and working hard to get himself back to full strength, he was finally ready to show the world what he could truly do on the biggest stage. He started the 2nd preseason game, everything was going great, but then, in a moment it was all gone. He had torn his ACL on a simple cut to elude a tackler. Another surgery, another season lost. Next off season, he was cut and not claimed off waivers. His NFL career was over before it had even started.

After taking a break from the game, Phoenix got a call that he never expected. Chris Peterson, the Head Coach of Boise State, was in need of a new Quarterbacks Coach and he wanted it to be Phoenix. While he had never considered coaching before, Phoenix decided to accept the offer. Time had humbled him and he took every opportunity to learn from the great coaching staff at Boise State. After his first few seasons, his name was starting to be mentioned for a few Offensive Coordinators positions. Phoenix hoped that he would get his chance soon.